Silvana da Fatima Braganca da Luz, 54, lost control of her vehicle on a rural dirt track and slammed into a beehive, triggering a deadly swarm – which tragically claimed both her and her father’s life
A father and daughter have died in a horrific bee attack after she crashed her truck into a hive – and he was stung to death trying to save her.
Silvana da Fatima Braganca da Luz, 54, lost control of her vehicle on a rural dirt track and slammed into a beehive, triggering a deadly swarm. A neighbour who heard the commotion ran to alert her parents as emergency services made their way to the remote area. Silvana’s father, Raul Portela da Luz, 79, rushed to the scene in a desperate bid to rescue her from the overturned truck but was viciously stung in the process. He was taken to hospital in critical condition and died the following day. Silvana also succumbed to her injuries, while her 72-year-old mum – who was stung multiple times – survived after receiving treatment and has since been discharged.
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The tragedy unfolded in the municipality of Vacaria in the north-east of the southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul. Firefighters were the first emergency responders to reach the area but took time to arrive because their station was nearly 40 miles from the scene.
A spokesman for the fire crews said: “The victims suffered hundreds of bites. When the team arrived at the scene the crash victim was still alive, so death did not occur at the time the car rolled.”
Police have begun an investigation as they await official confirmation Raul and his daughter both died as a result of the bee stings they suffered.
Shocked Juliano Gibbert said: “These are lives that could have been saved. Beehives should never be near roads. Bees are unpredictable and can attack people for many reasons.”
Ruth Vieira, recounting a similar experience, responded on social media by writing: “A family friend was travelling to a relative’s funeral wake when their car overturned. He escaped the accident unharmed but a swarm of bees attacked him and he died at the scene.
“His sister also died in the accident. Very sad.”